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Here at HOPES we get many e-mails asking “What can I do for my friend or loved one that has been diagnosed with HD?” The answer, of course, is not simple and will be unique for every situation. But here are some ways that you might start to help someone you care about.

People in the beginning stages may not have any physical difficulties, but may need emotional support and someone to help them make sense of their mood swings or other emotional difficulties.

In later stages of the disease, people with HD may need more help getting places due to the muscle spasms that the disease can cause. A trip to the grocery store or the dry cleaners on their behalf could be a great help.

People that have had the disease for quite a while may need help with more basic tasks, like maintaining their personal hygiene, cooking, or keeping their house in order.

Help them plan for the future:

It may be important to have someone ready to make health care decisions should someone with HD be unable to make those decisions themselves – Learn more about becoming a Health Care Surrogate on the Florida Suncoast Hospice site here.

Completing a living will is an important step in confronting the challenges that HD presents: Learn more about living wills from the Florida Suncoast Hospice site here.

We understand that the challenge may seem daunting when you’re trying to help someone with Huntington’s Disease, but even a little gesture can mean a lot. It is so important that people with HD have friends and family that care about them, and just being there to help them forget about their HD for a while. At the same time, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself as a caregiver, so make sure to take care of yourself as well. Together, people with HD and their caregivers are a powerful team against HD!